DENVER– Beginning Thursday, Feb. 24, Denver residents will be able to pick up free rapid at-home COVID-19 test kits at Denver Recreation Centers as part of the State of Colorado’s test distribution efforts. Denver Parks and Recreation has received 15,000 kits for distribution at 29 locations around the city.
COVID-19 tests will be available for pick up during regular operating hours at all Denver Recreation Centers (except for La Alma, which is currently closed). Each test kit contains two tests and residents are eligible to receive up to two free test kits while supplies last.
The free tests are iHealth Labs over-the-counter COVID-19 Antigen rapid tests. They take 15 minutes to provide a result and instructions are included on the box in English and available online in Spanish. Once a test result is available, an individual should review these instructions on how to interpret and report the results.
The Denver Department of Public Health & Environment (DDPHE) encourages Denver residents to get tested if they have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Using an at-home rapid test before attending a large event or visiting with someone who is immunocompromised can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.
While testing is an important tool, vaccines are the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and its variants and to help avoid the worst outcomes (severe illness, hospitalization, and death) among those who do become infected. DDPHE strongly recommend all those ages 5 and older should get vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and stay up to date with boosters.
Vaccines are free and readily available. A list of weekly COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Denver can be found on online.
[Shared on behalf of our friends at the Department of Public Health & Environment]
